The Department for Transport has today (28 June 2022) announced that Chris Boardman will continue his work as National Active Travel Commissioner on a permanent basis after serving as interim commissioner since January 2022.

Chris will be joined by a newly appointed senior management team with Danny Williams coming in as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Louise Wilkinson as the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Being one of the most prominent active travel advocates, Chris has previously served as Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner and Walking and Cycling Commissioner.

Boardman said: 

I am thrilled to be announced as permanent National Active Travel Commissioner and to be given this incredible opportunity. To help change the travel culture of a nation is by far the most important thing I have ever, or will ever, be involved in.

For cycling and walking to become the natural choice for shorter journeys, people must feel safe and the options must be easy.

Active Travel England aims to help local authorities across the country deliver that environment, so that people can get to schools, shops and workplaces under their own steam. That’s the kind of place people want to live and the freedoms they want for their children.

Danny Williams, incoming CEO, has spent over 25 years leading media businesses and was previously a member of the Mayor of London’s Roads Task Force.

Williams added: 

If you were to put down on paper my dream job, this is it. I’m passionate about building successful teams from the ground up and I have been an active travel advocate for the past 20 years. It’s a huge privilege to be able to combine those interests as CEO of Active Travel England.

I want to support councils to be bold and create an environment that is going to change people’s everyday lives for the better. It doesn’t get more exciting than that.

Louise Wilkinson, incoming COO, has had a long career in strategic finance and accounting within the civil service and local government and most recently working for the Cabinet Office as Deputy Director of Finance.

Wilkinson added: 

I can’t wait to take on the role of COO at Active Travel England and be part of this exciting journey. This is something I really believe in and I am proud to be part of a team that will help transform active travel and deliver real change. 

I will be focusing on putting in place all the things we need to succeed and to ensure that councils and other delivery partners are supported every step of the way.

Confirming the appointments, Cycling Minister Trudy Harrison said:

Today’s appointments are another great step for Active Travel England as it continues to make sure getting around our towns and cities on foot or by bike is an easy and attractive option.

Chris, Danny, Louise and the rest of the incoming team are hugely respected experts in their field and are dedicated to making people-friendly streets a reality. I wish them every success and will do all I can to support them.

Active Travel England will oversee delivery as part of its ambition to drive up the standards of infrastructure across the country and make walking, wheeling, and cycling the easiest choice for local journeys.   

Chris Boardman has been appointed with immediate effect. Danny Williams and Louise Wilkinson are expected to take up their posts in August.